Spirited Pop from Summer Cannibals

unnamedI’ve really been enjoying the tunes I’ve heard from the new effort from Portland’s Summer Cannibals.  They’ve got this entangling bit of rock n’ roll, but there’s this sultry draw that comes from Jessica Bourdreaux that really drives home an extra special hook.  But, don’t think that things are all bright and sunny, as they break this song down with a crunchy guitar edge to round out the softness on the track. It’s the title track from their forthcoming album, Show Us Your Mind, which will pop up on New Moss Records on March 3rd.

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A Sultry Groove From Au.Ra

10865990_599963220135892_1713619996969962156_oAu.Ra are Tim Jenkins and Tom Crandles from Sydney, who make psychedelic shoegazey rock music. “Talk Show,” is a noisy growing tune that starts by simmering and slowly builds to its boiling end of subtle psychedelic rock, but it also maintains this danceable energy throughout the whole song. This is just one of many singles that Au.Ra have put out from Jane’s Lament, their new record to be released on March 3rd. You can check out the rest of those singles here, as well as preorder the record if you’re so inclined.

 

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Quiet Folk From Soft Cat

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Looking for an intricately crafted folk tune? Well, Baltimore’s Soft Cat has you covered on that end with “Somebody.” Here you’ll hear a gorgeous blend of guitars, strings, piano and mild, yet beautifully tempered vocals. I dig this song because it beautiful and calm, simply the perfect start to your week or day, or a reprieve from your reentry into the work week.  This group is coming back with their third full length album, All Energy Will Rise, come April 7th via Father/Daughter Records, so be sure to get your hands on that.

 

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Energetic Rocker from What Tyrants

unnamedI love a track that opens with some rambunctious guitar riffs, setting the mood for a really good time.  That’s precisely what the lads in What Tyrants have brought to the table, just before their vocals come into the party.  The Minneapolis trio is specializing in making catchy garage rock that’s as infectious as it is edgy.  These tunes will pummel your ears, but their fast, so you’ll have plenty of time for recovery.  Look for their debut No Luck to be released on March 24th via Forged Artifacts.

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Beautiful Tune from Damon & Naomi

D&NFortuneArtworkI hope the world still has love for Galaxie 500; the band seems to only find fandom in small circles these days.  Regardless, 2/3 of the act has continued as Damon & Naomi since the group’s split, and they’re readying a new release for next week, February 17th.  I’ve fallen in love with the patience of the duo’s songwriting; every harmony and melody seems so natural and honest.  On the track below, the two combine their vocals for a sincere performance based on loose guitar and tinkering keys.  Your heads not on straight? Let it continue to drift away below.  Look for Fortune next week via Ba Da Bing Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/11Time-Wont-Own-Me.mp3]

Download: Damon & Naomi – Time Won’t Own Me [MP3]

Damn This Keath Mead Tune is Sweet

unnamed-2Ah, those old innocent days when a great pop tune made everything seem perfect.  This Keath Mead track is just such a tune, erasing the doldrums of every day life.  There’s some slick production that gives it a straight pop feeling, though I think Mead’s vocals have a nice touch to them that really brings this new single home.  It’s interesting that Keith’s imploring the song’s intended audience to “act your age,” which is completely the opposite of how this makes me feel.  I want to take off on a long sunny day walk with this song bouncing me along. His album Sunday Dinner comes out on February 24th via Company Records.

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Premiere: Birds of Night Prep New Self-Titled LP

4212Just because we rep Austin doesn’t mean we don’t look around Texas for great tunes from our neighboring cities, which is where we ran into Denton’s Birds of Night.  The group’s new single has this guitar that cuts through the pounding rhythm section, tied in tightly with a great Southern vocal that wears a Texas drawl proudly.  It reminds me a lot of local band A. Sinclair, just offering up a heavy dosage of great no-frills rock n’ roll. Their album, Birds of Night, was recorded by Midlake‘s McKenzie Smith at his Redwood Studio, so you know they’ve already caught the ear of some Texas heavy-hitters.  Here’s to them reaching beyond our state line; look for the album on April 21st.

 

Distorted Tune from Happyness

unnamedSurely Happyness has hit your radar, as they’ve had an incredible run the last year or so.  They maintain their balance between huge walls of guitar noise and pop sensibility that really harkens back to the late 90s when bands like Grandaddy and The Comas were gods in my listening rotation.  You’ll hear a screeching guitar in the middle here before they bring back the power hook that comes with every vocal.  If you love pop, but still love to rock a bit, then there’s not going to be a better band for you in 2015.  Look for their new effort, Weird Little Birthday, on March 24th via Bar None.

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Wake Up with Karl Kling

karlklingI’m typically not the one on the site that runs the electronic side of things, but I needed an extra pick me up after hitting up five shows in the last week, so I thought I’d toss out this new tune from Karl Kling.  It’s a track that’s rather infectious, and it’s got just enough bouncing bass to really get you moving about your place, or your office if you’re so inclined.  Airy vocals and heavy beats will get you dancing if you know what’s good for you. Look for his self-titled album to hit on March 3rd via Crazy Heart Records.

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Relax With A Sudden Burst Of Colour

1658505_757755130914754_1292556940_oSo you’re struggling to get through your Friday, the week and the work day is just dragging on and on. You need something to pick you up and refresh your energy. Well, I’ve got just the thing for you and its in the form of this music video from Motherwell, Scotland’s A Sudden Burst of Colour. These lads are great at crafting instrumental tunes that may be lacking vocals, but are far from lacking depth and beauty. This video for the lead single off their forthcoming Waves Will Rise On Silent Water EP “Riptide,” has some stunning footage of, you guessed it, waves. The calming nature of this video aside, the song is a jam; it’s got the glittery percussion and hooky guitars you would expect from a band like Foals. Get through your day with this track and make sure you stick it out through the end for the build.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/1uqEfxW026Y[/youtube]

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